A resident is eligible for phase three only after all suggested treatment has been completed. During this phase the resident continues to meet weekly with the Caseworker to discuss such goals as retraining, continuing education, obtaining meaningful employment, budgeting, securing suitable and affordable living accommodations, and contacting the appropriate agencies for further assistance.

Residents in this phase are subject to the same wake-up call, attend breakfast, perform necessary chores, and prepare themselves for the day. These residents are required to attend the 9:00 a.m. meeting if they do not have other appointments. Normally, residents in phase three are out until 4:30 p.m. attending appointments, seeking employment or working, participating in volunteer work, and/or looking for living accommodations.

Phase three residents are required to attend five recovery meetings a week. The one in-house evening meeting is mandatory, unless the Attendant on duty feels that there is a reason to make an exception. T.V. and "lights-out" rules also apply to residents in this phase. Residents must adhere to a midnight curfew, Sunday to Thursday, and a 2:00 a.m. curfew, Friday and Saturday. Residents may apply for a weekend pass every weekend, which is granted, based on the resident's overall attitude and completion of goals. Overnight passes may also be approved if deemed necessary by the Caseworker.

Additional Information

1. On Saturday and Sunday there is no wake-up call, however, brunch is served between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The residents maintain the cleanliness of the house and are permitted free time until they are required to return to the Foundation for supper or until they return home at curfew time.
2. Outside self-help recovery meetings are mandatory on the weekends in all phases.
3. Special meetings are called and attended by all residents when there is a house concern.
4. Residents must sign in and out of the residence. The resident records his time out, where he is going, the address and phone number where he may be reached, and his expected return time. Upon returning, the resident signs his name and records the actual time of arrival.
5. All residents must adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia.
6. Residents are required to respect and assist in the cleanliness of the residence and perform general cleaning. The resident learns life skills as required and acquires a sense of responsibility.
7. The house is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Monday to Friday, days, the Executive Director, the Office Manager, and the Cook/Day Attendant are on duty. Monday to Friday, evening, the Evening Attendant is on duty followed by a Midnight Attendant. Weekends are staffed by two rotating 12 hours shifts.

Rules Which Could Result in Immediate Discharge and/or Suspension (Applies to All Residents)

Discharges must be authorized by the Executive Director only. Suspensions can be authorized by the Executive Director or the Caseworker or the staff on duty. Residents and guests entering the home may be refused entry by the staff in charge of the shift if they suspect the individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

1. Any resident found using, or in possession of alcohol and/or drugs.
2. Any resident found in possession of any medication not cleared through the office.
3. Any unauthorized physical contact and/or threats, directed towards staff, residents, or guests of the Freedom Foundation.
4. Any resident found to be not adhering to curfew/passes guidelines.
5. Any resident found to be smoking in the bedrooms.
6. Any resident caught stealing, or in the possession of stolen property, will be charged by law and discharged from Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Guidelines

The procedure pertaining to the following guidelines are as follows: first offense will be a verbal warning, the second offense is a written warning, and for a third offense, the resident will be asked to appear in front of the Review Board.

The Review Board consists of the Executive Director, the Caseworker, and the House Sponsor. The House Sponsor is a resident who has achieved phase three status and who has been voted by the residents to be their spokesperson. This group of individuals determine how sincere the resident is and whether or not a compromise can be reached in order to resolve the issue.

1. Residents are to be properly dressed as per program scheduled.
2. All residents must indicate their specific whereabouts by means of the sign in and out book.
3. All residents are to participate in all house chores/duties when required.
4. All residents must attend the minimum number of self-help meetings as phase requires.
5. Residents are not permitted to have their guests in their bedroom. Guests are to be in designated areas only.
6. Out of respect for others, please keep noise to a minimum after 11:00 p.m.